KFC’s New Moves Might Surprise You

Hyderabad, 22nd April 2025: At KFC India, sustainability is an everyday practice. Ever since the launch of the first KFC restaurant in India in 1995, the brand has been deeply embedded in the country and committed to growing at scale through sustainable business practices.

 

The brand has been making steady progress towards building a more sustainable future. Reinforcing its long-term commitment to sustainability & climate conscious operations, KFC has adopted a range of sustainable solutions, and responsible practices that fuels its ambition to build green, future-ready restaurants across the country.

 RENEW-ED EFFORTS

  • KFC’s flagship restaurant in Hyderabad’s Hi–tech City is home to one of the largest solar panel systems across QSRs in the country. This panel helps avoid 30.5 metric tons of CO₂ emissions per year (equivalent to a petrol car driving around the Earth 3 times)
  • 70+ KFC restaurants across India operate with solar power integration
  • 800+KW energy generated through the solar panels (equivalent to enough power to run 800 washing machines at the same time)
  • Energy management systems (EMS) installed in kitchens have helped save 7% energy per restaurant per day
  • Restaurants use LED lighting, energy efficient cooling and smart technology to ensure minimal energy wastage
  • KFC restaurants are able to save over 50% water by adding flow restrictors to faucets, taps & flushes

 11 GREEN BUILDING MUST HAVES

 In an industry first achievement, KFC has been awarded a Gold rating for its restaurant in Bhavarkua, Indore, making KFC the first QSR brand in India to achieve this distinction.

The IGBC certification is a testament to the green measures incorporated within the restaurant right from its initial design phase. KFC’s dedication to sustainability is reflected in every aspect of the Bhavarkua restaurant. The design and operations of this sustainable restaurant integrates energy efficiency, usage of responsible materials and waste diversion. This includes the following aspects:

  • Furniture made entirely of recycled & sustainable materials across the restaurant floor
  • Locally manufactured & sustainable building materials utilized across building façade
  • Energy Management Systems to enhance efficiency and reduce emissions
  • Water-saving plumbing fixtures to conserve valuable resources
  • Solar panels & motion sensor LED lights installed to increase energy efficiency
  • CO2 & Humidity Sensors, Fresh Air Ventilation System and Indoor plants placed to enhance air quality within restaurant
  • Use of ecofriendly gas in Ventilation & Air Conditioning systems

KFC has also pledged to ensure all new restaurants are built keeping in mind “11 Green Building Must Haves”. This includes efforts to reduce water wastage, optimizing restaurants fixtures & lighting for lower energy use, equipment efficiency, CFC & HCFC free refrigeration, amongst others.

 FUTURE FIRST

KFC India is on a journey to reduce greenhouse gas emissions & become carbon neutral in the coming years. A significant milestone in this journey is the shift to 100% responsibly sourced packaging.

 KFC aims to continue to lead the way for the category in the adoption of sustainably sourced packaging materials. In the last year alone, KFC has reduced 3500 MT of plastic and converted 80% of packaging to be recyclable and compostable.

With all these efforts & more in the years to come, KFC is committed to growing in India, with India, on the back of sustainable business practices.

GE Aerospace partners with United Way Bengaluru to equip 53 more women drivers with e-rickshaws

 

GE Aerospace in India, in partnership with United Way Bengaluru (UWBe), distributed 53 e–rickshaws to empower women with sustainable livelihood opportunities. The event, held at GE Aerospace‘s Bengaluru research and engineering campus, was attended by Bengaluru Police Commissioner Shri B. Dayananda, IPS. Supported by Parihar, an initiative of the Bengaluru Police Commissioner’s office, the ‘e-auto’ program also offers training to equip these new drivers with the skills needed to operate the eco-friendly vehicles and partner with cab aggregators via a pre-fitted smartphone.

 

Ammann India Advocates RAP for a Greener, More Cost-Effective Future

Mumbai, India April 23rd, 2025: In response to the growing need for sustainable infrastructure, Ammann India, a pioneer in road building technology, hosted its Asphalt Recycling Seminar in the financial capital, Mumbai. The event brought together industry leaders, technical experts, and partners to explore the role of cutting-edge recycling technologies in shaping the future of eco-conscious road construction in India.

As India accelerates its transition towards greener infrastructure, the importance of circular construction practices, particularly in road development, has never been more relevant. The seminar aimed to address a critical industry need to equip stakeholders with the technical knowledge and strategic clarity to translate sustainability goals into actionable, on-ground outcomes. From insightful keynotes and technical deep dives to engaging panel discussions, the seminar showcased the future of road construction with RAP (Recycled Asphalt Pavement) especially in context with its usage for Indian roads. The event provided a collaborative platform to highlight emerging trends, share best practices, and address common misconceptions surrounding asphalt recycling and sustainable road building.

Key topics discussed at the event included material management, temperature control, and binder rejuvenation, backed by real-world case studies proving RAP roads can match or exceed conventional durability. Experts also highlighted the importance of rejuvenating agents for effective binder integration and emphasized the need for standardized regulations, skill development, and better procurement practices to scale recycling in India.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Dheeraj Panda, Managing Director, Ammann India, underlined the significance of sustainable innovation in shaping the future of road infrastructure. “With both global and Indian markets shifting decisively towards sustainable construction practices, technologies like asphalt recycling have become the need of the hour. At Ammann, our 150-year legacy of innovation drives us to deliver future-forward solutions that not only meet evolving industry demands but also reduce carbon emissions and reliance on virgin resources. We’re proud to lead the way in India by enabling up to 100% use of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP), a testament to our commitment to environmental stewardship and cost-efficiency. As the government champions greener highways, our advanced recycling technologies are poised to play a pivotal role in making this vision a reality.”

Other prominent voices at the event included Dr. Ambika Behl (F.I.E), Senior Principal Scientist, CSIR-CRRI, and Prof. Dharamveer Singh, Civil Engineering Professor at IIT Bombay, alongside Mr. Martinho Fernandes, AVP & Product Head – Asphalt Plants, Ammann India. Their contributions offered nuanced insights into overcoming technical and operational challenges in the field.

Currently, RAP usage in India remains relatively low—typically below 30%. Ammann is committed to raising this significantly, aiming to scale adoption up to 60% and even 100%, which not only supports sustainability but also delivers substantial cost and time savings in line with India‘s broader infrastructure development goals.

The event concluded with a united call for industry collaboration, research, and actionable implementation, reinforcing Ammann India’s leadership in delivering smart, sustainable, and technologically advanced road-building solutions that are aligned with national priorities.

 

Suzuki Access Sets Record for Fastest Low-to-High Altitude Scooter Ride

Gurugram, 23 April 2025: Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt. Ltd. (SMIPL), the two-wheeler subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan, announces a remarkable feat achieved by its flagship scooter – Suzuki Access. The company has entered the India Book of Records for completing the fastest scooter ride from India’s lowest region, Kuttanad in Kerala, to the highest altitude village, Komic in Himachal Pradesh on its flagship scooter – Suzuki Access.

A dedicated team of riders undertook this journey on the Suzuki Access, starting from Kuttanad at 7:20 AM, and reaching Komic at 3:05 PM after four days, covering total distance of 3,696 km in 103 hours and 45 minutes. This record setting journey was a true testament to the performance, reliability, and efficiency of the Suzuki Access.

Commenting on this achievement, Mr. Deepak Mutreja, Vice President – Sales & Marketing, Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt. Ltd. said, “Thanks to Indian consumers for making Suzuki Access as one of the most loved scooters in India. We aim to continue winning their hearts with its performance, technology and comfort. This journey highlights the scooter’s strength beyond daily commuting – especially its strong pick-up and consistent performance for long distance rides across different road conditions. We truly appreciate the efforts of the riders and everyone for their support in making this achievement possible.”

Pushing Boundaries with Suzuki Access

The route tested the scooter across altitudes – from below the sea level landscape of Kerala, gradually climbing through central India and finally reaching the high-altitude terrain of Spiti in the Great Himalayas. The scooter’s reliable 125cc engine, efficient mileage, and superior suspension system ensured a smooth ride through urban roads, rugged mountainous paths and high-altitude conditions.

National Parasports Talent Hunt Kicks Off in Hyderabad

Hyderabad, 23rd April 2025: Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV) of Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS), in association with Aditya Mehta Foundation (AMF), is organising the National Talent Identification Hunt and Training Camp for Para-Athletes from 23rd April to 28th April 2025 at JNV Ranga Reddy Campus, HCU Road, Gachibowli.

Chief Guest Ms. Shilpa Reddy, Trustee, AMF, Mrs. India, Fashion Designer, Entrepreneur, Holistic Lifestyle Influencer; inaugurated the National Parasports Talent Identification Hunt & Training Camp, today at JNV Ranga Reddy Campus. Guest of Honour Sri T. Gopalakrishna, Deputy Commissioner, NVSRO Hyderabad Sri R. Nagabhushanam, Asst. Commissioner, NVSRO; Sri. Aditya Mehta, Founder, Aditya Mehta Foundation; also graced the occasion. The camp aims to unearth budding talent for the Paralympics 2028, Commonwealth Games 2026 and Asian Games 2026.

Ms. Shilpa Reddy said, I have been associated with Aditya Mehta Foundation for the last twelve years. AMF in collaboration with the Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti, has taken the responsibility of organising this Camp with love, care and strong vision. We have come together to give our young talented athletes the best  experience possible. This initiative has grown so much over the years, every year we see new champions emerging from here and everyone who comes here leaves with beautiful memory, even if they don’t get selected for the final group. We do our best to select as many students as we can, though there are limited number of spaces. In our view everyone is a champion. I am really dumbstruck with the commitment and dedication you guys have for the sport you adopted. We are incredibly proud of our journey so far, more than 10,000 para-athletes have been screened, trained, counselled under this initiative and 3500 children with special needs from Navodaya Vidyalaya alone were screened, counselled and trained over the years. AMF athletes have won more than 300 international medals, even abroad. This year, we have Youth Asian Games 2025; followed by Asian Games 2026; these are not just milestones, but important steps that contribute to the selection process of the para-athletes for the Paralympics 2028. Our aim is very realistic and focussed to support and prepare as many athletes as possible to represent India at the Paralympics 2028.

Speaking on the occasion Sri T. Gopalakrishna said, it’s AMF’s 9th Talent Identification Hunt camp, and we at NVS have been proud partners of this meaningful initiative for the past 4 years. This initiative started as an idea, mainly we looked at it from the point of view of building resilience, confidence and the inclusiveness of all these children. AMF was very clear that if these children are trained for an year or more, they are going to find their places on national and international platforms and that has become a reality today. Hundreds of children have been trained at JNV Ranga Reddy Campus, which I consider as the heart of para athlete training, It is today the Centre of Excellence for para sports. Aditya Mehta Foundation and Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti are able to bring hundreds of para-athletes on the same platform and are standing as a beacon of hope for the para-athletes in the entire country. This year alone 142 medal were won by NVS children with the support of AMF and are coming out with flying colours. Our aim is to make a mark at the Paralympics 2028 on behalf of India.    

This unique initiative aims to scout and nurture para–athletic talent from the grassroots level, offering Children with Special Needs (CwSN) and differently – abled youth the opportunity to explore their sporting potential under expert guidance in parasports. The week-long Camp will conduct Talent Identification Trials; Basic Para-sports Training Sessions, Motivational Interactions with National and International Para-Athletes and Counselling Sessions for Students and Teachers, says Sri. Aditya Mehta, Founder, Aditya Mehta Foundation.

Out of 1000 online-screened applicants, 300 individuals from Hyderabad, Bhopal, Chandigarh, Pune, Patna, Lucknow, Shillong shortlisted for further trials and basic training at this camp. The most promising talents will be mentored by Aditya Mehta Foundation’s Infinity Parasports Academy in Hyderabad and given opportunities to represent their states and the nation at major national and international platforms, says Aditya Mehta.

The program is designed to identify and nurture their abilities, ultimately grouping them into specific parasports based on their individual disability levels and strengths. Throughout the camp, participants will explore a range of parasports and will be counselled and screened for 29 parasports. The structured training sessions is aimed to discover hidden talents and inspire children to pursue excellence in parasports.

Rambagh Palace to Host Grand Dinner for JD Vance, US Delegates

Delhi, 23/04/2025: In a landmark moment of cultural diplomacy, Rambagh Palace—Jaipur’s crown jewel, Rambagh Palace will host US Vice President James David Vance, his family, and a 20-member White House delegation on April 23. The high-profile visit is being celebrated with a grand dinner in collaboration with IRIS Jaipur, renowned for its handcrafted, gold-plated metalware. Following its acclaimed showcase at the G20 Summit, IRIS Jaipur once again has the honour of serving foreign dignitaries.

 The dinner will be held in the palace’s opulent 18th-century ballroom, Suvarna Mahal. A custom-designed collection of gold-plated dinner sets, tableware, cutlery, serve ware and trolley —crafted by IRIS Jaipur—will headline the banquet, reflecting a seamless blend of traditional Rajasthani artistry and modern luxury.

 Each guest will receive a golden napkin ring as a keepsake, engraved with their names on one side and Rambagh Palace Jaipur on the other side. The culinary showcase, presented on bespoke dinner sets, snack stands, hollowware, and barware, will highlight India’s gastronomic heritage with dishes prepared by Rambagh’s top chefs.

 A red-carpet walkway flanked by mirror-polished golden pipes—crafted by IRIS’s metal artisans—creates a shimmering prelude, setting the tone for the regal evening. Antique brass welcome trolleys, lotus design trays with bowls, and garland stands will enhance the arrival experience with rich visual storytelling rooted in Jaipur’s artisanal traditions.

 Jaipur‘s IRIS artisans bring diplomatic hospitality to life at Rambagh Palace, showcasing the city’s rich cultural heritage while adding a personal touch to the grandeur of the U.S. Vice President’s visit.

 “This collaboration is a testament to Indian artisanship,” said Rajeev Pabuwal, Co-Founder of IRIS Jaipur. “Every detail—from the cutlery to the welcome trays—reflects precision, heritage, and the soul of Indian hospitality.”

 IRIS’s relationship with Rambagh spans decades, with its creations gracing the palace’s grandest suites and dining halls. This latest showcase, co-led by Ashok Rathore, General Manager of Rambagh Palace, and Rajeev Pabuwal, continues a legacy of reviving traditional craftsmanship for discerning global audiences.

 As diplomacy unfolds over dinner, Jaipur stands tall not just as a cultural capital,but as a beacon of craft-led global engagement.

FSSAI Clears rPET for Food Use, Boosting Circular Economy

By – Mr. Makarand Kulkarni – CEO – revalyu India 
 
The FSSAI’s approval of recycled PET (rPET) for food-grade packaging is a landmark step that reflects growing regulatory confidence in advanced recycling technologies. It opens the door for the food and beverage industry to adopt safer, circular packaging practices aligned with global ESG standards. This progressive move not only reduces dependency on virgin plastics but also strengthens India’s commitment to a circular economy. By enabling scalable innovation, reducing environmental impact, and promoting responsible material recovery, this regulation is a win for both sustainability and industry transformation. At revalyu, we see this as a pivotal moment to lead with high-performance, sustainable solutions that help build a greener, more resource-efficient future.

Neeraj Kumar Gupta Appointed Chairman of NSE International Exchange

Shri. Neeraj Kumar Gupta (Ex–IAS) joins NSE International Exchange as Chairman and Public Interest Director, effective on 19th April 2025. The International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) has approved his appointment as Chairman & Public Interest Director (PID) on the Governing Board of NSE IX with effect from 1st April 2025.

Shri. Neeraj Kumar Gupta is an accomplished and highly experienced retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer (1982 Batch, UP Cadre). He retired as Secretary, Ministry of Finance (Department of Investment & Public Asset Management, Government of India) in 2018 and was re-appointed by the President of India as Central Information Commissioner of India; completed his tenure in 2023. 

As Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Shri. Neeraj Kumar Gupta has been the member of the core team of the Government for preparation of three Union Budgets (2016, 2017, and 2018). He has also been the Chairman of the National Task Force for Promotion of Digital & Cashless Economy from March 2016 until retirement.

As Secretary, DIPAM he was responsible for efficient management of Government investments in all Central Public Sector Enterprises & Private Companies, and in that role, he had extensive interaction with domestic and foreign investors for their access to Indian capital market, regulators (SEBI and RBI) for rationalizing the policies for listing of companies and divestment of equity though various market instruments, framework for mergers and consolidation, creation of equity and debt ETFs, functioning of stock markets etc.

The Board and the management of NSE IX welcomes Shri. Neeraj Kumar Gupta as the Chairman and Public Interest Director of NSE IX. His experience in Corporate Governance and Finance will be immensely beneficial for the future development of NSE IX and the GIFT City Ecosystem.

Zenzo collaborates with ‘Delhi Traffic Police’ to ‘Make Delhi Emergency Ready’

New Delhi, April 23, 2025: Zenzo, India’s leading emergency Response Service Provider, hosted the ‘Make Delhi Emergency Ready‘ meet at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, spotlighting their commitment to providing immediate and effective emergency assistance by launching the largest network of 25,000+ ambulances across 450 cities and 671 ambulances in Delhi NCR, to assist in the time of emergency. The network includes basic, cardiac and 5G enabled Ambulance which uses real-time patient monitoring, enabling paramedics to share vital stats with hospitals instantly, and improving pre-hospital care.

Mr. Shashank Jaiswal, IPS, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Traffic Headquarters & VVIP Route, Delhi Police, was the esteemed guest at the Zenzo Press Meet, where he emphasized the critical need for civic emergency preparedness. He acknowledged Zenzo’s contribution in training approximately 100+ Delhi Traffic Police personnel in First Aid and CPR, conducted by medical experts on the 21st & 22nd April 2025.

These trainings reflect Zenzo’s broader vision of enabling enablers, individuals who are most likely to witness or respond to emergencies first. By equipping traffic police with life-saving skills, Zenzo is taking a critical step toward building a culture of readiness on Delhi’s roads and beyond. In addition to its work with the police force, Zenzo continues to expand its emergency readiness initiatives through partnerships with NGOs, food delivery partners, cab drivers, corporates and hospitals to create a unified, emergency response ecosystem.

 Ms. Sweta Mangal, Co-Founder and CEO of Zenzo, commented on the occasion:” Zenzo is proud to partner with the Delhi Traffic Police in our shared mission to make Delhi Emergency Ready by training traffic personnel on First Aid and CPR and by launching a network of 671 aggregated ambulances in Delhi NCR to serve people in medical emergencies”.

She further added, “At Zenzo, our mission is to Make ‘India Emergency Ready’ by building a tech-driven medical emergency infrastructure. With a network of verified ambulances and cutting-edge technology, we aim to improve response times and empower communities. Following our successful launch in Mumbai, expanding to Delhi marks a major step in strengthening emergency preparedness and collaborating with on-ground institutions.

We focus on the critical golden hour—when rapid action can save lives—by connecting first responders and medical professionals instantly. Through strategic partnerships, we’re creating a faster, more efficient, and accessible emergency care system to reduce fatalities and improve outcomes.”

Mr. Shashank Jaiswal, IPS, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Traffic Headquarters & VVIP Route, Delhi Police, shared, “We are proud to partner with Zenzo in their mission to ‘Make Delhi Emergency–Ready’, by training our traffic personnel in First Aid and CPR, we aim to make the first responders on the ground are equipped to save lives. This collaboration will enhance the city’s readiness and help provide timely medical assistance when every second counts”.

Zenzo‘s initiative aims to address critical issues affecting emergency response times and patient outcomes in Delhi NCR. In 2024, Delhi recorded 5,834 road accidents, resulting in 1,457 fatalities, making it the most affected city in India. Delays in hospital arrivals and traffic congestion worsen emergency response times. India records 1,50,000 road traffic deaths annually, with 30% of fatalities attributed to delays. Initiatives like Zenzo‘s ‘Making India Emergency Ready‘ campaign are needed to improve emergency response infrastructure and public awareness.

Zenzo’s ‘Making India Emergency Ready‘ initiative is a transformative step toward faster emergency responses, improved infrastructure, and increased public awareness, ensuring every Indian has access to life-saving care.

Shiprocket Partners with CriticaLog to ship Gold & Diamond Jewellery

Mumbai, 23rd April 2025:  Shiprocket, India’s leading eCommerce enablement platform, has entered premium category shipping with its partnership with CriticaLog, a logistics firm that provides customized critical logistics solutions, including luxury goods shipment.  This partnership signals Shiprocket’s entry into the very niche category of gold and diamond jewellery shipping.

With extensive planning and execution, CriticaLog ensures zero pilferage, packaging, storage in strong rooms, and safe and secure transportation. CriticaLog’s expertise in handling time-sensitive and high-value shipments, combined with Shiprocket’s advanced logistics technology, will ensure a seamless shipping experience for jewellers.

This service is already live across 5000+ pincodes, and covers all major metros, including Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai. Multiple merchants selling diamond, gold and silver jewellery, gold and silver coins as well as other high-value items, are already using this service.

Easing logistics for small jewellers

The country’s gold and diamond trade contributes to over 7 % of GDP, with over 3 lakh players. The explosion in the B2C space will increase this number exponentially through eCommerce. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the gems and jewellery sector are at the forefront of this growth, but require assistance for logistics and eCommerce.

Through this partnership, Shiprocket is set to make jewellery shipping easy for merchants while ensuring that each item is handled with care. Each package would be handled securely with CriticaLog’s expertise in handling high-value products. Shiprocket is offering pick up from 250 cities with 59 operational hubs across 40 cities and towns in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Pune and Chandigarh.

Shiprocket has already completed multiple orders in the month of March’25 on Shopnek.com. . The average value per shipment is Rs 90,000, further reinforcing the ability to ship high-value products securely. The service is currently being offered for prepaid shipments up to Rs 5 lakhs and with the cash on delivery option up to Rs 49,999.

Commenting on the partnership, Saahil Goel, MD & CEO, Shiprocket, said, “At Shiprocket, we’re focused on building the rails that help every merchant of Bharat, whether in a small town or a metro, and help them grow faster through eCommerce. Our partnership with CriticaLog is a step in that direction, especially for jewellers who need precision and trust in logistics. It levels the playing field and lets smaller sellers compete with the biggest names out there in the market.”

Shiprocket is a tech platform that empowers sellers with seamless high-speed delivery integration, advanced checkout solutions, and cutting-edge marketing tools. This partnership will enable merchants to ship their high-value orders through the same trusted Shiprocket network that is already relied upon by over 4 lakh merchants across the country.